Clearly, the third year point guard is wrong. James is currently the game's greatest player, while Johnson is a perennial All-Star.

However, there are (somewhat) reasonable reasons for Rose's misguided preference. Don't declare him insane yet. It's not like he denies climate change, is a fan of river dancing, or participates in hot dog eating contests.

Here's what Rose was probably thinking when he made his request to Chicago management:

1) The NBA is about alliances, and sometimes that loyalty is to the agent before the team. Rose and Johnson share representation, Arn Tellem. And Rose - to an extent - was probably playing good soldier for Tellem by promoting one of his clients.

2) James likes having the ball. He's at his best controlling the offense. And his point-forward game would take the rock out of Rose's hands and make him an off-the-ball player. Rose was probably not thrilled with this.

3) The Bulls and Cavaliers are heated rivals. They hate each other. For instance, Rose's teammate Joakim Noah even challenged James because he felt The King was turning Quickens Loans Arena into Soul Train with his celebratory dance moves last year.

(Joakim and LBJ exchanging words last season.)

While Rose's opinion is wrong, it's (sort of) understandable how he arrived at such a conclusion.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Forget Michael Jordan's devastating double-pump jumper over Craig Ehlo in the NBA playoffs. Forget that those promising teams with Mark Price, Larry Nance, Ron Harper, and Brad Daugherty never fulfilled their potential. And forget the city's other sporting tragedies.

Cleveland would never recover from LeBron James leaving as a free agent to sign with the Chicago Bulls or New Jersey Nets. The Cavaliers would spend years in the lottery, and free agents would avoid Dan Gilbert's club like celebrities avoid TMZ.

James re-signing with his hometown squad would be a boon for the state of Ohio. And hopefully, the three-man recognizes he has unfinished business because his last two playoff performances haven't been good enough.

He struggled against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, and imploded against the Boston Celtics' airtight defense in the 2010 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

There's work to do in Cleveland. Ohio, James' home state, deserves better. After all, The King was supposed to bring championship glory to the Cavaliers. And that hasn't happened.

So James needs to hold his press conference. He needs to announce he's staying with Cleveland and sign on the dotted line. He needs to shake Gilbert's hand and smile for the cameras. And then he needs to recruit stars.

Most importantly, he needs to cut the nonsense and focus on his goal: winning an NBA Title with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Initially, he told reporters he was staying with the Miami Heat. Then he was reportedly enamoured with the Chicago Bulls. And now he's making promises to the New York Knicks -who will need much more than two superstars to win an NBA Title.

There's an explanation making the rounds. And it's not good.

Some have speculated Wade is hyping the process for a documentary he's producing about his free agency. If true, this shows poor taste, especially when compared to fellow free agent LeBron James, who invited teams to his home in Akron instead of touring the United States like a darn rock star.

Wade has now met with will all suitors. No more excuses or shenanigans. It's time for a decision.

Dwyane Wade grew up in Chicago. The Windy City has a certain hometown appeal for the athletic two-guard.

The Bulls` supporting cast also gives them an edge on every other suitor. After all, Derrick Rose is a superstar point guard, capable of creating for others and getting his own shot, while Joakim Noah is a physical, blue-collar post.

Keep in mind Chicago can offer Wade and another superstar a maximum contract, so the 2006 NBA Finals MVP will have help in the form of Chris Bosh or maybe even LeBron James.

When conisdering all the angles, it`s easy to see why Wade`s `interest is for real`.

The New York Knicks and Amar'e Stoudemire continued to move closer to an agreement to bring the free-agent forward to Madison Square Garden next season, but sources told ESPN that the deal has yet to be struck.

A person involved in the talks told The New York Times the Knicks have offered Stoudemire a five-year, $100 million deal -- the maximum allowed -- and are waiting to talk to him in person to complete the deal, which can't be signed until July 8 at the earliest.

After all, the New York Knicks and their fans spent years hoping for LeBron James. The front office cut salaries and practically encouraged losing, while fans watched a God-awful product shame their beloved Madison Square Garden.

Such a situation was tolerated because fans had hope -the hope they'd sign James this summer. Well, chances are they'll only end up with Amar'e Stoudemire.

Another second tier free agent may sign on. Maybe not.

Reports indicate Stoudemire and the Knicks are moving full speed ahead on an extension. STAT will score in bunches and entertain the NYC masses. However, the club is no closer to winning an NBA Title with him up front.

And wasn't that what the last two years were supposedly about? Weren't the Knicks losing so one day they'd win?

Well, their grand strategy looks to have failed. James probably isn’t coming; same with Dwyane Wade.

Even with Stoudemire, the New York Knicks need a new plan for 2011. Turns out hope wasn`t enough.

The sales pitch has got to be one of the toughest things to put together for any marketing team. It is one of those things that science alone cannot help them. The only way science can help is in producing the right numbers – the sweet science of money. There’s another science as well and that is the science of reproduction. Sex parties are the cure, but then again who wants herpes? That doesn’t cope well with these big name free agents doing public appearances. Even Delonte West gets clowned on and supposedly it’s just a birth mark.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The first big name of the 2010 market has fallen.

Reports indicate the Memphis Grizzlies have re-signed their own restricted free agent Rudy Gay for five-years and $82 million.

Gay was supposedly a fall-back for clubs with cap-space that failed to land tier-one free agents like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. The feeling was these teams would float an offer sheet that small-market, cost-conscious Memphis would have trouble matching.

Well, the Grizzlies stepped-up.

In giving Gay – an explosive scorer at the three-spot – market value, Memphis showed they’ll keep young assets, so they can again challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's a big announcement, but not the one Cleveland Cavalier fans were hoping for.

Word is Cleveland owner and de facto GM Dan Gilbert will introduce Byron Scott as his bench-boss today, and the former sharpshooter is apparently excited to coach the Cavaliers -even if you-know-who, LeBron James, doesn't re-sign.

And perhaps he's right.

With James, Scott has a ready-built contender on his hand. Without him, Scott can take his time to reshape the roster -like he did with the New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets.

Either way, in Gilbert, Scott has the rare owner willing to spend to compete. This is what drew him to the job.

Now Scott must wait to see how the situation unfolds in Cleveland.

Got thoughts? Get at O.Sandor and HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

People involved with the NBA and sports media are really sticking their necks and reputations on the line. I love it! Their true colors are shown. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The entire free agency arms race is 10x more explosive than the Big Network’s extravaganza about Brett Favre and his jeans. Everyone has a hard on for LeBron. Analysts on television, print, and radio are arguing against each other over speculations. Speculations? That’s another word for opinion. Get your popcorn and enjoy the freak show! I have!

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One team's junk is another team's treasure.

Cap space is king for the New Jersey Nets, as the club needs financial flexibility to sign free agents this summer. And trading Yi Jianlian saves the Nets $3 million and puts them on equal footing with the Chicago Bulls.

Instead of conserving cap space to take a run at a big ticket free agent, the Washington Wizards are taking a different approach. The Wizards are acquiring assets on the cheap from teams who need to cut payroll to compete in the Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and/or Dwyane Wade sweepstakes.

For instance, the Wizards scored Kirk Hinrich on draft day. The cost: assuming the combo guard's $9 million per season salary.

Hinrich can back-up both guard spots and mentor first overall pick John Wall, while Yi will fill in for - and hopefully replace - injured four-man Andray Blatche.

Expect a few more of these deals before the July 1st free agent market opens.

David Kahn says he plans to call two agents at 11 o'clock Wednesday, when the NBA's free-agency negotiation period begins. I hear from a good league source that one of those two guys is Memphis forward Rudy Gay.I texted David Kahn for a confirmation or denial Monday evening and he did not respond.

The lowly Minnesota Timberwolves should target Rudy Gay, the athletic swing with the Memphis Grizzlies. While young and talented, Gay has been overlooked because this year`s free agent class features superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, Amar`e Stoudemire, and Dwyane Wade.

But Gay has the explosiveness to become an All-Star. And the Wolves are desperate for a small forward to complement their bevy of point guards and power forwards.

Best of all, Gay is ripe for the picking because Minnesota - which has just $25 million in committed salary for 2011 - can afford to float a big ticket offer, while small market Memphis may lack the resources to match.

So perhaps the Wolves make a splash in this summer`s free agent market.

"The Raptors would like to get something in a sign-and-trade for Bosh, but they likely won’t deal him in the East. The Lakers are expected to offer Andrew Bynum, a legitimate low post center, and Lamar Odom, and take back Jarrett Jack, whom the Raptors would like to move."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: All they can do is make the best of a bad situation.

After all, franchise face Chris Bosh seems destined to leave the Toronto Raptors as a free agent when the market opens July 1st. Executive Bryan Colangelo admitted as much at a recent press conference.

There's no easy way to lose a 26 year old superstar. However, there's an easier way.

For instance, if Chris Bosh joins fellow free agents LeBron James and/or Dwyane Wade in Miami or Chicago, he'll likely leave a year and $30 million on the table. And the Raptors will get nothing in return.

If Bosh inks a deal with the Raptors as part of a sign-and-trade, he can get the longest term and most money available. And the club can get something back, which is better than nothing.

Such a deal would achieve two things. First, Bynum is a legit five-man. His length, size, and ability to plug the middle would transform the Raptors into a more defensive side. And skilled post Andrea Bargnani could slide to the four-spot, his natural position.

Second, Bosh would be out west. He wouldn't be in the same conference. He wouldn't drop into Air Canada Centre several times a year with his new superstar teammates. He wouldn't win championships with the the Bulls or Heat. And all of this would allow the Raptors to save face.

Of course, the ball is in Bosh's court. As an unrestricted free agent, he holds most of the cards.

All Colangelo can do is offer a sign-and-trade. Joining Kobe Bryant and the NBA's best team may be enough for Bosh to re-consider his plans to partner with James and Wade, especially if he gets the maximum term and money.

This is the Raptors' only card, so Colangelo better do everything to play it.

"I’d obviously like to play for a winning team and win something. I got two boys and a wife and our home base is Miami so anywhere up and down this east coast would be a great fit for me."LinkHoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: There are two reasons Raja Bell - an unrestricted free agent - has interest in suiting up for the Miami Heat.
First, as Bell mentioned South Beach is home. He grew up in Florida. He went to college in Florida. And his family lives in Florida. So there's a sentimental attachment to the area.
Second, Bell is aware of a rumor making the viral rounds: Chris Bosh and LeBron James will join Dwyane Wade and sign with the Miami Heat instead of the Chicago Bulls.
James reportedly has concerns about the Bulls: owner Jerry Reinsdorf is always reluctant to spend on winning; Derrick Rose may struggle off the ball next to The King; there's no three-point gunner to spread the floor and keep opposing defenses honest; and Tom Thibodeau is a rookie coach.
(Of course, this could be conjecture and speculation. Chicago still has much to offer free agents.)
So Bell knows Miami could well become a contender -and surely wants in.
The Heat - after the dust settles with James and Bosh - should add Bell. His defense, intensity, and three-point stroke is perfect for a contending team. And he’d likely give oil-slick GM Pat Riley a hometown discount.
Right now, Miami is looking to make major moves, which could land them a useful veteran in Bell.
Got thoughts?

Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni are seeking to arrange a meeting with Atlanta free agent Joe Johnson in Los Angeles Wednesday at midnight -- or 9 p.m. California time -- before flying to Ohio for the LeBron James' pow-wow. Even crazier, the Knicks are trying to fit in Amare' Stoudemire that evening, too, in either LA or Phoenix.

Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemire won’t satisfy hungry Knick fans who are thirsting for free agents Chris Bosh and LeBron James to turn Madison Square Garden into a contender starting in October of 2010.

Consider Knick-nation’s plight: former prodigal son Stephon Marbury imploded before their very eyes; GM and coach Isiah Thomas shamed the organization with his dysfunctional ways and irresponsible spending; and for too long owner James Dolan did nothing, content to count his profits.

Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni were hired to turn things around, but - instead of immediately competing for the playoffs – they purged the roster of big ticket salaries, so they could sign James and other free agents this summer.

That decision was made years ago. And the Knicks have intentionally tanked it ever since.

Management got fans to buy-in by selling hope, specifically the hope that they’d ink James – one of the game’s greatest stars – to a multi-year contract.

Cap space alone won’t secure James’ services. The King wants to win, and rumour has it he likes the Chicago Bulls’ supporting cast of point guard Derrick Rose and big Joakim Noah better than the Knicks’ depleted roster.

Bosh, who also wants to win now, has allegedly decided to follow the two-time MVP and serve as his co-star in The Windy City.

Walsh isn’t stupid. He sees how the free agent dominoes are aligning. He gets that the club will likely have to settle for Johnson and Stoudemire.

This won’t cut it in New York, where some of the NBA’s most educated fans reside. After all, Johnson and Stoudemire are good, but Bosh and James are great.

Unless Walsh and D’Antoni deliver great this July, fans will wonder why they suffered through the pain, torture, and punishment.

All the elaborate recruiting plans for LeBron James will have to change. James will not go on a recruiting tour, his longtime business manager Maverick Carter told ESPN.com Friday. LeBron is not going on a tour," Carter said. "He never planned to go on a tour and has not been a part of any team's plans for a recruiting trip."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The King is wisely making his suitors come to his Ohio court.

The LeBron James 24-hour news cycle hasn't helped his image. There has been a backlash because some feel the two-time MVP has milked and encouraged the headlines.

For instance, critics have argued his interview with CNN's Larry King shouldn't have aired during the NBA Finals because it took the spotlight off the league's showcase event.

Another concern was that James was going to make a spectacle of visiting each potential suitor, creating a sort of rock star inspired tour -even if he has little interest in signing with certain teams.

The good news is the New York Knicks' star-studded tour of Manhattan won't matter. Neither will the lure of South Beach. Or, the glamour of Hollywood.

James is focused on one thing: winning an NBA Title. Now to find the best place for that to happen.

To listen to World Wide Wes, LeBron will never look back on Cleveland. “He’s up out of there,” is the way he tells it to people, but LeBron’s Akron crew has to tsk-tsk such public talk because they all live in Northeast Ohio, and maybe always will. "We're going to Chicago," WIlliam Wesley tells people," "and Chris Bosh is coming, too."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: 'World Wide Wes', one of the NBA's great power brokers, believes the Chicago Bulls are poised for a big off-season. And he's right.

After dealing Kirk Hinrich and their 17th pick in Thursday's draft and getting nothing but cap space back, the Bulls have the financial flexibility to tender two max' contracts.

So The Windy City could sign LeBron James and bring in Chris Bosh, too.

Other clubs - the Miami Heat and New York Knicks - can also offer a pair of max contracts, but the Bulls distinguish themselves by already having a star point guard in Derrick Rose and an established four-man with Joakim Noah.

Such a supporting cast may be enough for James to turn his back on the Cleveland Cavaliers -even though they can offer the most money, longest term, and he grew up in nearby Akron, Ohio.

Even if James gets sentimental and re-signs with the Cavaliers, the Bulls could turn to superstar Joe Johnson, which isn't a bad plan-B.

"I don't want to be mentioned as an addition to a team," Bosh said prior to the season. "I want to be mentioned as the guy that people want to center their team around."

"I'm not an addition. I'm a centerpiece," he said. "I have to have that confidence in myself, and I want people to know that, because I'm not somebody that helps out. I'm the guy you get like, 'Yo, we're going to win a championship, you're gonna take us there.'

ESPN scribe Chris Broussard once said this was the choice Chris Bosh would face when he hit free agency. Broussard reasoned that Bosh would max out as a good, O'Neal type player -if he signed somewhere as the 'centrepiece'.

However, the veteran writer believed Bosh would become a Hall of Fame, second-star like Pippen -if he agreed to sign on as LeBron James or Dwyane Wade's sidekick.

He's right. And Bosh's true colors will be revealed with his decision.

If he's about the accolades, if he's about getting his and only his, then Bosh signs somewhere as The Man and hits the golf course every May instead of playing meaningful basketball.

If he's about winning NBA Titles, if he's about greatness, he drops this 'centrepiece' stuff and partners with a once-in-a-generation-superstar like James or Wade.

There have been rumors that the Nets might pursue point guard Chris Paul through a trade. Since they don't seem to be all that high on any of the players they are likely to get with the No. 3 pick, such as Georgia Tech`s Derrick Favors, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins or Syracuse`s Wes Johnson, they could trade the pick to get an established player.

Since being named coach of the New Jersey Nets, Avery Johnson and Devin Harris have praised each other publicly. Johnson has insisted he’s proud of Harris’ development, while Harris has insisted his development is because of Johnson’s teachings.

Can you feel the love?

Such a dog-and-pony show is necessary because these two had a tumultuous run together with the Dallas Mavericks.

Johnson was coaching a Maverick team that was expected to win a championship. As a former point guard he was particularly hard on Harris, a young table-setter with heaps of potential.

Something was off, though. Johnson quickly lost faith in Harris and signed off on a controversial trade that sent him to, ironically, the Nets for Jason Kidd.

But Kidd couldn’t put Dallas over the top. Johnson was promptly fired. Harris made the All-Star team in 2009, but struggled with injuries in 2010.

Yet, they are back together, insisting fences have been mended and Kumbaya has been sung. For now.

Reports indicate the Nets are dangling their 2010 draft pick in hopes of plucking Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. CP3 heading to The Swamps of Jersey/Borough of Brooklyn makes sense for three reasons:

First, New Orleans is a struggling market. With second year point guard Darren Collison in the wings, they could swap Paul and his max deal for cheap talent.

Second, New Jersey is now a have-market. New owner Mikhail Prokhorov - also known as Russia’s richest man with a net worth of $18 billion - wants to make headlines this off-season. Acquiring Paul, who is arguably the game’s best point guard when fit and healthy, would achieve this end.

Third, and most importantly, Paul is tight with LeBron James, the jewel of the 2010 free agent class. And Prokhorov would surely use Paul and rapper/minority owner Jay-Z to recruit James to the East Coast.

So the Nets are looking to upgrade the one-spot. If Paul is acquired, Harris would surely be dealt.

Before dismissing this rumor remember that Nets’ senior executive Rod Thorn admitted to reporters that Harris and center Brook Lopez do not have untouchable status and could be moved.